Bioprospective Screening of Ricinodendron Heudelotii Seeds

Abstract

A plant becomes a medicinal plant only when its biological activities has been ethnobotanically reported and scientifically established. The plant Ricinodendron heudelotii has been used traditionally for various disease treatments. The qualitative and quantitative analyses of the seed extract were carried out. The result of the analysis revealed an appreciable amount of phytochemicals such as Tannins, Saponins, Flavonoids, Alkaloids, and Phenols. Minute amount of phytate, oxalates were present. Also present were carotenoids and anthraquinones. These phytochemicals have been reported to have various biological characteristics such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. This result therefore suggests the potency of Ricinodendron heudelotii for therapeutic and pharmaceutical uses;